Milwaukee Tool launched their M4 cordless screwdriver in 2012, nearly 10 years ago. This is still an active product that’s listed on Milwaukee website, and it’s in-stock at retailers and suppliers.
What’s interesting is that this remains the only tool on Milwaukee’s M4 platform.
When the M4 screwdriver first launched, I believed that M4 would be a system. But, that didn’t happen.
I also wrote:
What do you think will come out with next? We’re thinking an LED worklight is most probable.
There weren’t any M4 worklights, but Milwaukee did launch RedLithium USB years later, with the new battery powering an entire line of LED worklights, flashlights, and personal lighting accessories.
There are some RedLithium USB tools and accessories as well, such as digital levels and green laser levels, but still no cordless screwdriver.
Ryobi now has a line of USB Lithium cordless power tools, including a screwdriver. But for whatever reason, Milwaukee isn’t there yet.
Frankly, I don’t blame them – there have been several 3.6V/4V Max cordless power tool systems, and things didn’t work out well.
Ryobi had a Tek4 line that was around for several years. Back in 2011, Sears launched a line of Craftsman V4 compact cordless power tools, and it didn’t even last 2 months. The tools launched in October and were on clearance by December.
Milwaukee launched the M4 cordless screwdriver for users who need to quickly perform the same tasks hundreds of times a day. This explains why I’ve seen it promoted in industrial supplier catalogs.
It’s a feature-rich tool too, with 44 in-lbs max torque, two speeds (200 and 600 RPM), and a 21-position adjustable torque clutch. The M4 charger is a standard benchtop-type unit, allowing for quick swapping and near-continued tool use.
I can see why the M4 might be preferred in certain work environments over a RedLithium USB model.
But still, the M4 must sell well to still be available 10 years later, right? Or maybe not, sometimes such assumptions are logical but unfounded.
Could a RedLithium USB screwdriver and battery charging dock replace the M4 model?
I posted about the prospect for a RedLithiu, USB cordless screwdriver nearly 4 years ago. We’re going to see new RedLithium USB products soon, as Milwaukee will be shifting over to USB-C in 2023. But what about more non-lighting tools?
There are reasons behind every tool omission.
Does anyone here use and Dewalt 8V Max cordless power tools? There are reasons why Dewalt hasn’t expanded their 8V Max lineup in 9 years.
And so, while I’m surprised and maybe a little disappointed that we haven’t seen a RedLithium USB cordless screwdriver yet, maybe it’s for the best.
Milwaukee first launched RedLithium USB 5 years ago, starting with personal lighting products. Personal lighting seems to remain their focus.
Given this length of time, either Milwaukee is working on a RedLithium USB cordless screwdriver and is simply waiting for opportune circumstances, or they’ve decided against it for whatever reasons.
It remains a possibility, with my question being when or why not?
If you want a 4V-class cordless screwdriver from Milwaukee, there’s still the M4.
